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A man who served 14 months of a four-year prison sentence on six counts pertaining to child pornography was granted judicial release from prison Wednesday afternoon by Clinton County Common Pleas Judge John W. “Tim” Rudduck.

Chad E. Reeves of Washington Court House was sentenced to prison after he was convicted on six counts involving child pornography, each a second-degree felony.

Reeves was convicted in connection with having explicit child pornography videos on his computer.

He was serving his sentence at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution, a medium security prison.

Under the terms of the judge’s ruling, Reeves will serve six months in a community-based corrections facility which specializes in programs for individuals convicted of sex-related crimes, said Rudduck.

“When you get out, you will be placed on a very strict monitoring program,” Rudduck said.

Reeves will be on probation and monitored through the county’s prison diversion program which meets once a week, Rudduck said.

Prior to handing down his decision, Rudduck asked Reeves, “Why are you different now? Why do you deserve this?”

Reeves broke down in tears and several times covered his face with his hands. He then made a tearful plea to Rudduck.

“I have changed,” Reeves said. “People in there (prison) see it. My parents see it.”

He called what he did as “disgusting.”

“I’ve been thinking about this for over a year now,” Reeves said. “I’m sorry for what I did.”

Reeves’ attorney, John Roszmann, told the court that Reeves has received certificates for numerous programs he completed during his 14 months in prison.

Reeves said most of the programs were Bible-based.

“I did many of them to better myself,” he said. “I thank the Lord for not letting me get off for what I did.”

He told the court that prior to being convicted he used drugs and alcohol, but did not want that life any more.

“Being in prison has killed the bad part of me and it’s almost killing the good part,” Reeves said. “I’m truly sorry. I’ve learned from my mistakes.”

Rudduck responded, “I think you are clearly remorseful.”

Prior to Rudduck’s ruling, Assistant Prosecutor Brian Shidaker spoke against Reeves’ early release from prison. He told the judge that Reeves could have gotten more prison time when he was convicted — from two to eight years on each count.

Looking at the nature and seriousness of Reeves’ offenses, Shidaker called them the “most vile and unimaginable crimes.”

Rudduck responded, “We don’t give up on people just because of the nature of the crime.”

Following the judicial hearing, Reeves was incarcerated at the Clinton County Jail and will be transferred to the corrections facility on April 8.

After his release, Reeves will be required to sign up as a sexual offender every 180 days for the next 25 years, Rudduck said.

Rose Cooper can be reached at 937-382-2574 extension 216 or on Twitter @rosecooperWNJ.

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